nothing," Balto responded, sounding dismayed. "I don't know why, but I can't seem to get any closer to finding the answer." "Was this force even out there?" asked Jenna again. "It was nowhere to be found," Balto replied, again sounding down in the dumps. "I wish I knew what it was. Then I'd know whether or not I could do something about it." "Don't beat yourself up over it, Balto," said Jenna reassuringly. "It's not worth it. I'm sure you'll find the answer one way or another." "I sure hope so, Jenna," Balto put in. "I sure hope so." They went inside to settle down for the night.
From there, well, word certainly got around. Most of the dogs in town were Lapp Attack fans, and the diehards were worried not only about Mika's condition, but also the future of their favorite band. Kaj, Keith, Colin and Ryan had already begun searching for a new lead singer in case Mika didn't come back. So far they were not finding many potential front men. The frontrunner was Nick Jones, a local solo artist who could also play guitar, and his style of play was similar to that of Lapp Attack. In fact, Nick was Lapp Attack's original lead singer, only doing vocals while Mika played guitar alongside his brother and did backing vocals. But after a falling out with Keith, who wasn't the easiest one in the band to get along with, Nick left and Mika moved up to lead vocals. Now Nick was back in the fray. The big problem here was how to tell Mika. "How do we tell him?" asked Keith, who had originally helped Mika join the band in the first place. "We haven't decided yet," replied Kaj. "I think we should ask him first." "Write to him?" asked Colin. "I guess if that's the only way to ask," answered Ryan, "then fine." "Yeah," added Nick. "I don't want to steal that position out from under him if he still wants it." So Kaj got out a piece of paper and a pencil and started writing a letter to his brother about the recent acquisition. It read as follows:
Dear big brother Mika,
I hope your recovery goes well in Wales. I can't tell you enough about how bummed out the band and our mother were hearing that you may never return. I myself am a bit depressed to hear the news. But if you think it's for the best, then we respect your decision. We did manage to find a new lead singer for Lapp Attack. Have you ever heard of Nick Jones? Well, he heard about the opening at lead singer, and he's opted to take that position should you decide not to come back. His style of guitar playing matches your playing and our music style, and he's quite the showman, just like you in our live shows. Take care. We miss you. Can't say the same for everybody in town, but at least some people here still care. Get well soon.
Best wishes,
Kaj
The next day, he enveloped it and took it straight to the post office.
A few days later, Mika got the letter. After reading it, he started on a reply letter to send back to Nome.
Dear brother Kaj,
Right now, I can't say for sure whether or not I'll ever come back to Nome. If I do return, it won't be until the heat's off my back. I'm glad to hear you haven't let my absence stop you and the rest of Lapp Attack from carrying on. Nick has my permission to become lead singer. Good luck to you. Oh, and tell Balto I said hi. I wish he was here.
Best regards,
Mika
As soon as he finished, Mika put it in an envelope and requested that it be sent to the post office. The only reason he didn't go himself was because, with two broken legs, walking, even with the aid of crutches, would be next to impossible. A doctor took care of that part.
A day later, Mika's letter arrived in Nome. Kaj had picked it up from the post office an hour after its arrival. After reading it, he showed it to his band mates. They were relieved to hear that Mika was okay, but disappointed to hear the uncertainty of his future. They had a jam session scheduled for that day, so they went ahead and started getting Nick familiarized with their songs, especially the rhythm guitar parts that Mika had written.
That night, Mika lay in bed in the hospital, clutching the letter he got from Kaj. It had been a week since he had fled Nome. As he lay there, he couldn't help but think that what he did may not have been such a smart move. He was starting to slightly regret ever running away. "Man," he thought, "if I had known ahead of time that I'd end up here in this condition, I don't think I would have ever done this. This is definitely the low point of my life here in North America. Come on, Europe, take me home." With that, he drifted off to sleep, hoping for a better tomorrow.
Will Mika regain control of his life? Will the secret behind Balto's night terrors ever be revealed? Find out in Chapter 7: Red Dawn.

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